Organisers of the first-ever Media Career Development Conference, the Media Career Development Network (MCDN) has presented awards of recognition to corporate and Non-governmental organisations for their contribution to media career development in Nigeria.
The awards were presented to the organisations on Thursday, at the Conference attended by students, practising journalists, media managers and other professionals.
According to the Executive Director of of MCDN, Lekan Otufodunrin, the award is to recognize and commend the efforts of organizations that have, over the years, consistently organised trainings, hosted fellowships, and provided resources and support for journalists and media work in Nigeria.
The awardees include the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), Africa Check, the Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation, The International Centre for Investigative Reporting(ICIR) and The Journalism Clinic.
Others are the Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals (AFYMP), African Women in Media (AWiN), Daily Trust Foundation, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), International Press Centre (IPC), Human Rights Journalists Network(HRJN), Development Communications (DevComms) and Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO).
Corporate organizations that have consistently supported media career professionals through their corporate social responsibility programs were also awarded. They include MTN Nigeria, Polaris Bank PLC, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas(NLNG), Continental Re-insurance PLC, Nestle Nigeria, PwC Nigeria, Diamond Publications Limited and Dangote Industries.
{READ ALSO: MCDN launches Media Mastery Product for media capacity development.}
Other organizations are Media Mentors Academy, Media Mentors Network, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, ActionAid Nigeria, Journalists Against Aids (JAAIDS), Step-up for Women in Journalism Initiative, PAGED Initiative and Lightray Media Communications.
MCDN explained that the award is important because there is a need to recognize the efforts and impact of the contribution of various organisations to the development of media in the country.
The organisations were urged to sustain their support for the media in the country to enable journalists and media platforms to enhance their standard of practice and career development.
{READ ALSO: Masterclass lessons on Media Career Development}